Mount Walker — Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018

Because the entrance gate is closed to vehicles for the winter, we parked on the main road and walked about a quarter mile beyond the gate to the trail head on right. We hiked this trail on a randomly beautiful and sunny/clear day, so the views at the top were incredible. The north viewpoint offers views of the snow-capped Olympic mountains in one direction and Mt. Baker in the other; from the south viewpoint you'll see across Puget Sound to Seattle and Mount Rainier. No picture can do this view justice. We took the trail both ways and encountered only a bit of slush/snow just before reaching the top - we felt totally comfortable in hiking boots without spikes or poles, though on the way down we did have to be a bit careful with our footing in a few slush patches. The trail ends at the north viewpoint and the south viewpoint can be reached by walking about half a mile down a gravel road. We passed maybe two or three dozen other hikers (and dogs!) on the trail, and there were lots of grey jays at the south viewpoint. Overall, a short but challenging (steep!) hike with spectacular views!